“You should rethink your gambling habits,” Bolton said as he released him but continued to watch him closely.
“Most definitely,” the other man said as he let go of Delbert’s arm as well then bent to retrieve the knife still on the floor. “Perhaps your communication skills as well.”
Delbert stared at Philip, his expression guarded. “Will you truly help me?”
“Yes.” Philip glanced at Eliza then back at his cousin. “But never again will I pay your gaming debts. Make this the last time you’re in this situation.”
“Should I send for a doctor?” Bolton asked as he studied Eliza’s side.
“No,” she said even as Philip said, “Yes.”
“It’s nothing serious.” She lifted her hand from where she’d held it against the injury, hoping it was true. “See? The bleeding has already stopped.”
“I’m sorry, Lady Eliza.” Delbert shook his head. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“I must’ve fallen on the knife,” Eliza said when she noted how Philip’s expression tightened. “It only nicked me. I’ll be fine.”
“I won’t be satisfied until a physician has seen to the injury,” Philip said, his voice trembling as was the arm that held her.
Eliza nodded, too overwrought to argue. But it was the information Delbert had shared that truly upset her—not the injury.
She knew how Philip felt about his father and brother. It was only natural that he’d do all in his power to protect their memory.
Which left her without him. The terrible ache she’d felt earlier returned, and it was all she could do not to falter. But she didn’t want Philip to worry about her.
“Perhaps someone should find my aunt,” Eliza suggested, ready to go home. She’d already been away far too long.
“Of course. I remember her.” Lord Bolton moved toward the door then glanced back at Philip. “If you’re all right here?”
Philip nodded then addressed the other man. “Garland, if you’d escort my cousin to my carriage?”
“Of course.”
Philip stared at Delbert. “Await me there. Then we will deal with your debt together. Agreed?”
For a long moment, the viscount only stared at Philip as if unable to believe the turn of events.
Eliza felt the same way.
“Yes.” His mouth trembled. “Thank you.”
“Afterward, we’re going to have a conversation about expectations and purpose. No more of this, Markus.”
Delbert nodded, his expression grim. Then the others departed.
Only too late did Eliza realize that left her alone with Philip. Surely she could manage the next few minutes without falling apart.
“Eliza, are you certain you’re all right?” Philip drew back to examine her side.
Her body chilled as he released her, the cold slowly seeping into her heart. “Yes. As I said, it’s only a nick and no longer bleeding.” At least, she didn’t think so. Better that she focus on something else. “I would still like to explain why I asked the favor and apologize for not telling you the truth.”
“I’m the one who should apologize. I should’ve let you explain rather than acting so thickheaded.”
“I would tell you all the same. You see, I’ve cared for you for a very long time. As I told you before, the comfort you offered when my parents died meant the world to me. And when I returned to London after my years away and saw you again, my affection was caught.”
“Eliza—”
“Please.” She held up a hand to stop him. “Allow me to finish. The ladies in The Mayfair Literary League helped give me the courage to act on how I felt. I don’t know how much Winston shared with you about our parents but suffice it to say that they ignored us for the most part. My mother tended to be critical the few times she was near. Then after they died, none of my relatives wanted me. Nor did I manage to make friends at finishing school.”
